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Drowning is the fifth-leading cause for unintentional death among all ages. (This figure does not include boating-related drownings. In 2011, there were 4,588 boating incidents, with 3,081 injuries and 758 deaths. Seventy percent of the deaths were due to drowning and 84 percent of those who drowned were reported not to be wearing life jackets.)

Drowning is responsible for more deaths in children ages 1 to 4 than any other cause except congenital anomalies. Among those 1 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death, after motor vehicle crashes.

Nearly 80 percent of people who drown are male.

Between 2005 and 2009, the unintentional drowning rate for blacks was significantly higher than that of whites across all ages. The drowning rate of black children ages 5 to 14 is almost three times that of white children in the same age range.

How to stay safe

Supervise children with vigilance near water. Remember they can drown in just a few inches of water, including wading pools and buckets.

Designate a responsible adult to watch children in a bath or while swimming or playing in or around water. Supervisors of preschool children should be close enough to reach a child at all times.

Because drowning occurs quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in distracting activities like reading, playing cards, talking on the phone or mowing the lawn, even if a lifeguard is present.

Always swim with a buddy.

Swim only in a designated swimming area, and chose sites with certified lifeguards when possible.

Avoid alcohol use before and during aquatic activities or when supervising children in or near water.

Learn to swim.

Don't use air-filled or foam toys as safety devices instead of life jackets. They are not designed to keep swimmers safe.

Know the condition of the water and know your abilities. If there is any doubt about the water conditions, do not go.

Always let someone know where you are going to and where and when you plan to return.

Select an area that has good water quality and safe natural conditions.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Coast Guard, Connecticut Department of Public Health, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

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